Toner goal vital in Derry win

NFL Division Two

Derry 2-11 Louth 1-11

By Michael McMullan

NIALL Toner’s 58th minute goal shot Derry on their way to a second victory of the league after a tough battle with Louth on Sunday afternoon in Ardee.

The Oakleafers were 1-4 to 0-2 ahead after the opening quarter with Shane McGuigan netting a penalty he won himself after latching on to Ethan Doherty’s probing ball.

A Liam Jackson goal had the home side back in the game and McGuigan nailed a free to leave the sides level, 1-6 each, at the break.

It was Louth who made progress in the third quarter with Sam Mulroy pulling the strings.

Tom Jackson and Mulroy had the Wee County 1-10 to 1-8 ahead.

Then it turned in Derry’s favour when goalkeeper McStravick punched a Niall Loughlin drop shot into the path of Toner who had the composure and accuracy to finish to the net.

Derry had to defend well in the closing stages before Oisin McWilliams tagged on a stoppage time insurance point.

Derry: O Lynch; C McKaigue, E McEvoy, C McCluskey; P McGrogan (0-2), C Doherty, Paul Cassidy (0-2); C Glass, B Rogers; N Toner (1-1), S McGuigan (1-5, 1 pen, 3f), E Doherty; B Heron; L Murray, N Loughlin

Subs: O McWilliams (0-1) for E Doherty (46), Padraig Cassidy for E McEvoy (49), B McCarron for N Loughlin (58), M Downey for L Murray (66), S Downey for B Heron (70)

Louth: P McStravick; D Corcoran, D Campbell, D McKenny; L Grey, N Sharkey (0-1), C McKeever; C Early, C Murphy; L Jackson (1-0), S Mulroy (0-3 1m, 1f), T Jackson (0-2); C Downey; C Grimes (0-1), D McConnon (0-3, 2f)
Subs: C Lennon (0-1) for L Jackson (51), P Lynch for D McKenny (64), J Hughes for D McConnon (64), T Durnin for C Murphy (64), B Duffy for N Sharkey (75)

Referee: P Fallon (Down)